Advocacy News

Find the latest summaries and policy updates for all multifamily housing regulations and policies.  

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2025 Day on the Hill
2025 Day on the Hill

Yesterday, February 6, despite some weather difficulties for our members, 180 WMFHA members and staff gathered at the Capitol in Olympia for our annual Day on the Hill to meet with 81 legislators or their staff, including the Lieutenant Governor of Washington. Together, we advocated for the... Continue Reading

Postedby Carter Nelson
Date posted02/7/2025


BuildUp Washington
BuildUp Washington

Your WMFHA Advocacy Team is excited to announce the formation of a new coordinated advocacy and grassroots lobbying campaign to fight against HB 1217 and SB 5222 (rent cap legislation) in Olympia this session. BuildUp Washington is a partnership between WMFHA, NAIOP Washington, and many... Continue Reading

Postedby Carter Nelson
Date posted01/29/2025


Legislator Shuffle
Legislator Shuffle

The November election results coupled with Governor Bob Ferguson’s cabinet appointments launched a scramble, particularly in King County, to fill many vacancies at the state legislature and one on the King County Council. Notable changes include Rep. Emily Alvarado advancing from the House... Continue Reading

Postedby Carter Nelson
Date posted01/24/2025


Washington has a new Governor- Transition Subcommittee Presentation
Washington has a new Governor- Transition Subcommittee Presentation

Our advocacy team recently had the opportunity to present in front of Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck’s transition committee on housing. The Lt Governor has been tasked with briefing new Governor Bob Ferguson on the current housing landscape and the most pressing housing issues facing our... Continue Reading

Postedby Carter Nelson
Date posted01/10/2025


Legislative Session is HERE
Legislative Session is HERE

The 2025 legislative session is finally here, and it's going to be an exciting 105 days of action! We’re kicking things off strong, and we need YOU to help us make this session a success. Each week, we’ll send out a recap to keep you in the loop and fired up about the progress... Continue Reading

Postedby Carter Nelson
Date posted01/10/2025


Woodinville Tenant Protections Update
Woodinville Tenant Protections Update

Carter's City Council testimony is below: Good Evening, Mayor Millman, and members of the council. Thank you for allowing me to speak tonight. My name is Carter Nelson, and I am speaking on behalf of the Washington Multi-Family Housing Association. We represent over 347,000 rental units in the... Continue Reading

Postedby Carter Nelson
Date posted12/4/2024


Seattle Clean Building Standards, What You Need to Know
Seattle Clean Building Standards, What You Need to Know

The Clean Buildings for Washington law (HB 1257), being implemented by the Washington State Department of Commerce, applies to multifamily buildings greater than 20,000 SF. The law includes several requirements to improve energy efficiency including meeting a minimum average energy use intensity... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster (deleted)
Date posted11/20/2024


King County Unlawful Detainer Update
King County Unlawful Detainer Update

At a virtual roundtable on October 30, WMFHA Advocacy staff gave an overview of the “new” unlawful detainer process in King County. In addition to the brief overview and current state of the process, the majority of the roundtable was dedicated to getting feedback from members about... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster (deleted)
Date posted11/20/2024


Gentlemen Start Your Engines
Gentlemen Start Your Engines

Now that the election is over and we know the makeup of the legislature, we can start to look ahead to the 2025 legislative session. Although how things play out will depend on committee structure and assignments in the House and Senate, to be decided in a few weeks during organization, we do... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster (deleted)
Date posted11/20/2024


Day on the Hill 2025- Tickets on Sale!
Day on the Hill 2025- Tickets on Sale!

This is your chance to make your voice heard on the issues that matter most to multifamily housing. On February 6, we're bringing our passionate members to Olympia for a powerful day of advocacy at the State Capitol. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or new to the legislative process, this event... Continue Reading

Postedby Carter Nelson
Date posted11/20/2024


Woodinville Passes Tenant Protections
Woodinville Passes Tenant Protections

Last night, Woodinville City Council passed Ordinance 755, which will implement tenant protections. Your Advocacy Team engaged with staff and submitted a letter in opposition, but were unfortunately unsuccessful. Despite the ordinance passing, we were successful in receiving an extended... Continue Reading

Postedby Carter Nelson
Date posted11/20/2024


Spokane Rental Registry Update
Spokane Rental Registry Update

As we shared last month, Spokane City Council voted on an ordinance proposing amendments to the rental registry ordinance. This ordinance was passed by council to force compliance and make the $15 registration fee more streamlined, exempting housing authorities and various subsidized programs... Continue Reading

Postedby Carter Nelson
Date posted11/20/2024